Collins law will further family reunification efforts for youth in care

SPRINGFIELD – Financial responsibilities weigh heavy on families in the foster care system and to stop the disproportionate impact, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will include family circumstances as part of the determination process when evaluating parents’ ability to pay for the cost of foster care.

“Many parents are held responsible for more than they can afford to pay within the foster care system, and this can delay any reunification efforts for the child,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Our focus should be on reunifying families, and with this law we will ensure families are not overloaded with financial responsibilities and give their best effort to take care of the child.”

Read more: Collins law will further family reunification efforts for youth in care

Halpin passes law with assistance from Rock Island probation officer

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to create a Community-Based Corrections Task Force to research the benefits of specialty courts and community-based correctional centers was signed into law on Friday.

“Listening to the experts and community residents is how we create common-sense laws that are fair to everyone,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This task force will show us how folks struggling with mental illness or addiction interact with our criminal justice system so we can achieve better outcomes for these individuals while keeping our communities safe.”

Halpin’s law creates a task force to discuss benefits of community-based correctional facilities and specialty courts in Illinois. Community-based correctional centers are alternatives to prison that provide a different way for individuals who are convicted of crimes to be rehabilitated back into society without having to be incarcerated. One alternative to traditional corrections is the use of specialty courts, also known as problem-solving courts. These courts are designed to lead people out of a cycle with the justice system and into treatment programs.

Read more: Halpin passes law with assistance from Rock Island probation officer

Murphy law increases access to Alzheimer’s treatments

SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease will become more accessible thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can leave a person and their loved ones feeling like their lives have been turned upside down, but knowing that they have access to the treatments that they need can be a relief,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Early treatment can significantly enhance the patient’s well-being and provide valuable time for families to adapt and plan for the future.”

The measure will require the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments and medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Under the new law, diagnostic testing for a physician to determine the appropriate course of treatment will also be covered.

Read more: Murphy law increases access to Alzheimer’s treatments

Villa law finalizes closure of Kerr-McGee in West Chicago

SPRINGFIELD – A new law spearheaded by State Senator Karina Villa will finalize the closure of Kerr-McGee, a rare earths facility in West Chicago, aiming to bring peace of mind to residents after radioactive material originating from the site contaminated hundreds of residences during the facility’s years of operation.

“This has been a battle that residents of West Chicago have been fighting for decades,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The community needs to know that their health and safety is secured.”

From 1932 to 1973, Kerr-McGee produced large amounts of radioactive materials, which later contaminated 676 residential properties in West Chicago. Since 1994, the facility has been in the process of decommissioning and is currently in the final phase of remediation. This phase involves the treatment of groundwater at the location of the factory site, which is set to conclude by fall 2026.

Read more: Villa law finalizes closure of Kerr-McGee in West Chicago